New Ford Mustang Bullitt Is Mean and Green in Detroit

Ford revives silver screen legend for 50th anniversary

Rumored to make a comeback for many years now, the Ford Mustang Bullitt returns in its third iteration at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. Based on the facelifted version of the sixth-generation Mustang, the new Bullitt arrives just in time for the movies’ 50th anniversary. Launched almost a half-century after Steve McQueen created the coolest car chase in movie history, the new Bullitt came to Cobo Center alongside the original car from 1968.

Showcased in a metallic dark green color that mimics the shade of the original model, the new Bullitt follows in the footsteps of its fourth- and fifth-generation-based predecessor, sporting an understated look, a number of exclusive features, and a retuned drivetrain. On the outside, it gets subtle chrome accents around the grille and front windows, a unique black grille, and the obligatory Torque Thrust wheels, this time around in 19-inch size. A set of red Brembo calipers completes the look, but it also gets the aerodynamic extras that come with the Performance Package. Color options are limited to the classic Dark Highland Green and Shadow Black.

Understated but More Powerful

The standard seats come from the Mustang GT, but owners can upgrade to the optional leather Recaro units

The cabin is equally understated, with upgrades including the 1960s-inspired white cue ball shift knob and green accent stitching on the seats. The standard seats come from the Mustang GT, but owners can upgrade to the optional leather-wrapped Recaro sports units. The 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster, which was launched with the facelift, features a unique Bullitt welcome screen that starts in green with an image of the car instead of the pony. A heated leather steering wheel is included as standard.

Output has been increased compared to the standard 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of the Mustang GT

Under the vented green hood lurks the familiar 5.0-liter V-8 "Coyote" engine, but output has been increased compared to the standard 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of the Mustang GT. Specific figures aren’t yet available, but Ford says the new Bullitt will benefit from at least 475 horses and 420 pound-feet of twist. Expect it to hit 60 mph a tenth-second than the regular GT, so we could be looking at a 3.8-second benchmark. Top speed is also higher, up to 163 mph from the standard 155 mph.

The Bullitt comes with a manual transmission as standard, but it features a number of drivetrain upgrades on top for the revised engine. It sports an active valve performance exhaust with new Black NitroPlate tips retuned for signature burble, a new Open Air Induction system, and an intake manifold from the Shelby GT350. The optional MagneRide semi-active suspension system optimizes driving performance.

The new Mustang Bullitt is due to hit showrooms this summer, but pricing information is not yet available. We should know more as we review the pony car later this week.